These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

GRADE *

* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this useB: Good scientific evidence for this useC: Unclear scientific evidence for this useD: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

There is no proven safe or effective dose for California poppy in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for California poppy in children.

Safety
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

There are currently no high quality studies available on the medicinal applications of California poppy. California poppy is possibly unsafe when used in patients taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

California poppy is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Although not well studied in humans, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) may interact with antidepressant agents, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Caution is advised in patients taking antidepressants.

California poppy may have hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects. Caution is advised in patients with hypertension or hypotension and in those taking blood pressuring altering drugs.

California poppy may increase the amount drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Although not well studied in humans, California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) may interact with antidepressant herbs or supplements, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Caution is advised in patients taking herbs and supplements with possible antidepressant or MAOI effects such as 5-HTP, ephedra, hops, St. John's wort, and vitamin B6.

California poppy may have hypotensive (blood pressure lowering) effects. Caution is advised in patients with hypertension or hypotension and in those taking blood pressure altering herbs or supplements. Herbs and supplements with hypotensive effects include black cohosh, flaxseed, garlic, ginger and ginkgo, among others.

California poppy may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs or supplements. Examples may include: 5-HTP, celery, hops, lavender aromatherapy, sage, Siberian ginseng, and St. John's wort. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

The information in this monograph is intended for informational purposes only, and is meant to help users better understand health concerns. Information is based on review of scientific research data, historical practice patterns, and clinical experience. This information should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Users should consult with a qualified healthcare provider for specific questions regarding therapies, diagnosis and/or health conditions, prior to making therapeutic decisions.